Responding to new research from Pro Bono Economics showing that councils spent £60m in a year on unsuccessful court tribunals over support for pupils with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities), Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:

“What we are seeing here is the manifestation of a broken system. School staff, governors and parents can see the underlying issue is that the system for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is too often skewed so it is based upon the resources available rather than pupils’ needs. Councils simply do not have the resources to meet the growing demand they are facing.

“While the government’s new SEND plan contained some sensible ideas, it did not address this funding gap, which leaves both schools and local authorities struggling to offer the support children need amid growing demand, despite the best efforts of staff.

“We’ve heard of schools who have had to go into deficit to provide the right help for children. Schools are also hamstrung by a shortage of specialist staff, as well as funding, while there is a national shortage of special school places.

“Unless the government backs up its proposals with significant new investment in the SEND system, pupils will continue to miss out on the care and support they need to flourish.”